How to file a patent in Iraq?

To file a patent in Iraq, the process must be conducted through the Iraqi Ministry of Planning – Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control (COSQC). COSQC is responsible for managing intellectual property registration applications, including patents, in Iraq.

What is a patent in Iraq?

In Iraq, the RPI (Registration of Patents and Industrial Designs) grants patents to protect inventions. A patent gives its owner the exclusive right to stop others from copying, using, distributing, or selling the invention without permission. The protection lasts for 20 years from the filing date.

In Iraq, the official language for patent filing is Arabic, and patent applications must be submitted in Arabic. Filing a patent application in a foreign language is generally not possible.

Also, you may need to file a trademark in Iraq.

What are the required documents needed to file a patent in Iraq?

Full name and address of the applicant and inventors, whether an individual or a corporation.
A patent description: Specification, claims, and abstract. Drawings, if applicable.
Power of Attorney, duly signed by the applicant.
Translations (if necessary): In Iraq, the official language for patent filing is Arabic. If your application documents are in a language other than Arabic, you may need to provide Arabic translations of the application documents.
Assignment Documents from the inventors.
Certified copy of the Priority Application. Not necessary for PCT cases.

Our in-house translators can assist you.

How is the Patent process in Iraq?

Application submission: The procedure can be initiated by submitting the form and the complete documentation of the patent application.
Formal Examination: COSQC conducts a formal examination of the patent application to verify completeness and compliance with requirements.
If there are any deficiencies, you will be notified to address them within a specified time frame.
Publication: After the formal examination and if the application is found to be in order, the patent application may be published in an official gazette or a publication platform designated by COSQC to notify the public about its existence. Oppositions and observations are available for third parties within the first 90 days of publication.
Substantive Examination: COSQC conducts a substantive examination to assess the patentability of the invention. This involves evaluating the invention’s novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
Grant: If the invention meets all patentability requirements and the examination process is completed, COSQC will grant the patent. You will receive a certificate of patent registration.

Patent term:

Patents granted in Iraq are valid for 20 years from the filing date. To maintain protection throughout this period, the patent holder must pay annual maintenance fees. If the applicant fails to pay these fees on time, the patent may lapse, and the invention could lose its protection.

Average time from filing to grant:

The average time from filing to granting a patent in Iraq is from 3 to 5 years.

Grant, validity term and maintenance fees

Once the patent in Iraq is granted, it will be valid for 20 years. Maintenance Fees are paid annually and they are calculated from the international filing date.

The first annuity Fee should be paid on or before the 2nd Anniversary of the international PCT filing date (or national filing date if it is a Paris convention application). That is to say, it should be paid before starting the 3rd year.

Subsequent renewal fees should be paid annually in advance, before each anniversary of the filing date.

Some Extra Facts

Representation by a patent attorney

Foreign patent applicants need to prosecute a patent application in Iraq through an attorney or agent registered in the country.

Check out our blog for more information in Intellectual Property.

Do you need to file a Patent in another country?

This content may suffer modifications due to updates in the official regulations of Iraq.